First of all, I know what you're thinking. Matt looks like Noah. Like Notebook Noah. Like "If you're a bird, I'm a bird" Noah.

Shayna and I giggled so hard when I brought up the Ryan Gosling similarities. She agreed and told me "I love when people tell me that." Hahaha!

We spent a little evening at Bird's Hill Provincial Park, a beautifully scenic, totally diverse sanctuary that offers so many options for photoshoots. Pastel beaches, lush forests, open fields. This place has it all and is one of my favourite locations to shoot engagement sessions near Winnipeg.

Oh, and if you want to get all teary-eyed and watch the "If you're a bird, I'm a bird" scene, I've included it below. Because... The Notebook 4 ever!

Lately I've been listening to a whole lot of Bon Iver - which is sooo 2011.. but hey, when something reaches deep into your soul, replay never gets old. I think it's the long drives to the lake, the lazy sunsets and the slow, easy conversations I've been having with my couples lately. Like last week with these two.

I met Lauren and Jordan last year while shooting this super bananas beautiful wedding at Lake of the Woods.Jordan and Lauren are the creative souls behind Prairie Film Co. - a talented duo who make really special wedding films. We clicked, and before we knew it, I was blessed/asked to be their wedding photographer. Dream couple! They are so chill and so sweet. I just feel so damn lucky.

So last week, I hopped into Jordan's fire red, two door sports car, Starbucks in hand and were off to Brereton Lake. Lauren's family cabin overlooks the lake and the've spent their summers together growing up and growing their love here. This stuff melts my freaking heart. I'm so, SO excited for their wedding at Cielo's Garden this summer!

Your engagement shoot is one of the coolest experiences as you inch closer towards your wedding date. It's a chance to get used to the camera, get to know your photographer and create really special images of you and your love.

"But what should I wear? I'm so nervous. What should HE wear? Where should we shoot? I'm so excited! What time should we meet?..."

The questions go on.

Because I get so many of the same questions about engagement sessions, I thought to myself "Hey, I should really just write an awesome blog post for my clients to read." And I think that this will help any couple to prepare for their engagement session - even if I'm not your wedding photographer!

So let's break this Engagement Session down.

INSPIRATION

First things first, we need to talk about vision, theme and inspiration. Look at images that inspire you. Make a Pinterest Board. Share it with me. I want to see what lights you up! (PS You can find me on Pinterest HERE)

Now, what do these images have in common? A vast field, golden light, soft flowy wardrobe (be still my heart!). This is the key to creating your dream engagement session. Find what you love, list what you love, and then build your shoot incorporating those elements to reflect you guys as a couple!

WARDROBE

I love when my brides- to-be want to elevate their shoot with a soft dress or gown. Different fabrics shoot completely differently so gravitate towards chiffons, silks - anything that moves. This will create movement in your images... which is like... Theeee most gorgeous thing.

Some men love to dress up. A lot of men don't - or they're not sure how to go about it. Give them direction. Tell them it would mean the world to you if they dressed up a bit and that the images will be that much better because of him.

Most importantly I want you guys to be comfortable and feel like yourselves. I want you to be able to look back 20, 30, 40 years from now and cherish this special session together.

Here are a few of my favourite stores when shopping for engagement session outfits:

Neutrals baby. They're not only classic, but they reflect light giving your session an airy, romantic feel. This compliments skin tones and makes you two looks ahhhhmazing!

HAIR + MAKEUP

This is such an awesome opportunity to test out your trial hair and makeup for your wedding day. This is of course - totally an option - but many my brides like to take advantage of a trial session with their hair and makeup team to see what their makeup will look like - and photograph - on their big day!

My personal preference is to shoot outdoors. I feel like nature brings out such a fun, adventurous energy to the shoot. It's also relaxing and often allows us to watch the sunset together. The best third wheel is one with a camera!

TIME OF DAY TO SHOOT

In photography, everything is light. This means we shoot in the evening at golden hour - and it's absolutely magic! Our session will likely last about 2 hours from start to finish and during that time we experience a range of different light.

THAT'S ALL!

I hope this helps all of you recently engaged babes navigate your prepping for your engagement session!